As with the Propain Spindrift, the Soulfire from German brand Rose is almost into DH territory when it comes to travel. How does it compare when it comes to sizing, geometry and spec? Here’s the low down.
Words: Sean White Images: Callum Philpott
Unlike relative newcomers YT Industries, Rose Bikes have been around for some time. With over 100 years in the bicycle business this established brand is a big player in mainland Europe but is still a rare sight here in the UK. You’re buying direct from Rose, as with Canyon and Radon, so value for money is high. With spec sheets that give the big American brands a run for their money these European direct sales brands now seem to be offering the full package though. Dialled geometry, up-to-date sizing and a great finish sit alongside a well thought out component package. It seems hard to go wrong.
Scratch beneath the surface and you’ll see that Rose Bikes take things one step further though. They give you the option to tweak the spec of the bike you’re ordering – you can upgrade the shock, switch the RockShox fork out to a Fox, change the colour of the stem; make it yours. You are almost going semi-custom here but working with the component brands that Rose has available.
Here we take a look at one of the longer travel bikes from this German brand. Park bike, Super-Enduro, Mini DH, Freeride, call these machines whatever you want… What we have here is an aluminium framed 180/190mm travel bike running 27.5″ wheels with a 180mm fork leading the charge…
